Bahk-vatjlt



E. B. HUGHES.

BANK vAuLT.

APPLICATON FILED MAY 26, 1919.

1 ,326,058. Patented Dec. 23, 1919.

lnarran srafrns PATENT QFFICE,

BANK-VAULT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Deo. 23, 1919.

Application led May 26, 1919. Serial No. 299,864.

To all whom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, Evnnnr'r B. HUGHES, a citizen of the United States, residing at North Vernon, in the county of Jennings and State of Indiana, have invented new and useful Improvements in Bank-Vaults, 0f which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to the construction of bank vaults, and the object is to provide a wall which can not be penetrated by the Oxy-acetylene flame.

A further object is to provide a wall or door construction which shall consist of an outer layer of case-hardened, or so-called drill-proof steel, an adjacent layer of soft steel which will be melted if subjected to the Oxy-acetylene llame, and portions of which when fused will flow into the apertures formed in the outer layer of steel, in the event that the latter is penetrated by a drill, or by the use of the means above referred to.

A still further object is to provide a construction of the type indicated, and to form in connection therewith a third layer of re brick in which is embedded wire mesh formed of case-hardened steel wire, this layer last named to be provided with apertures for the purpose specified below.

A fourth layer constituting an inner layer may be used as a retainer for the layer of ire brick.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel construction, combination, and arrangement of elements hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a view in elevation of a vault, with parts broken away, and with a portion of the side wall in section.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view, in section, of the wall construction.

In carrying out my invention I provide an outer layer designated 10 formed of casehardened steel, or so-called drill-proof steel. This layer may be one quarter of an inch thick, the thickness however depending upon circumstances.

A second layer 12 is formed of soft steel which may be fused when subjected to the Oxy-acetylene flame, and when so fused, portions will flow into the aperture or apertures formed in the outer layer 10, in the event that the latter is penetrated.

A third layer 14 consists of fire brick, and within this layer there is embedded a wire mesh constructed of case-hardened steel wire of approximately three-fourths inch mesh. This layer should be of a suitable thiclmess, and the layer is perforated, the apertures therein being illed with sulfur. The apertures are designated 15 and the filling thereof is shown at 16. The layer 14 may also be coated with sulfur on both sides. That portion of the sulfur which is placed within the apertures is mixed with gun powder, or other explosive. The burning sulfur on the surface of the layer will give off fumes of a sufocating nature, and the charge within each small aperture will cause a slight explosion suilicient to drive small particles against the hand or face of the individual endeav- `oring to obtain entrance to the vault. These marks will serve for purposes of identification.

A fourth layer designated 18 serves as a retainer for the layer of re brick just described. It is the intention that the apertures in layer 14 shall extend only part way through the layer.

The construction described is to be employed in building all of the walls of the vault, and also in building the door.

What is claimed is- 1. In a wall construction for bank vaults, an outer layer of hardened steel, an adjacent layer of soft steel, a third layer of fire brick with wire mesh embedded therein, and a coating of a fume generating substance for one of said layers.

2. In a wall and door construction for bank vaults, an outer layer of hardened steel, an adjacent layer of soft steel, a third layer of refractory material, the third layer being provided with apertures, and charges within the apertures,`formed of explosive material.

3. In a wall and door construction for bank vaults, an outer layer of hardened steel, an adjacent layer of soft steel, a third layer provided with apertures and including a reinforcing element, a coating of a fumegenerating substance for the third layer, and charges of explosive material within the apertures.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature. EVERETT B. I'IUGrIIESiF 

